18-Wheeler Crashes Into Church in Lauderdale County, Driver Hurt

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CENTER STAR, Ala. (WHNT) – An 18-wheeler crashed into Center Star Baptist Church on Monday afternoon. The driver of the truck was injured.

"We had to extricate the driver, he was stuck in the truck and he has minor injuries. We had a ruptured fuel tank and we are taking care of it,” said David Charles, assistant fire chief of Center Star Fire Department.

Authorities say the driver was transported to ECM Hospital in Florence.

Ronnie Jones has been the pastor of the church for 23 years. He is grateful no one was hurt, but says the church has major damages. He says the wreck damaged three classrooms and the sanctuary is flooded with diesel fuel.

"There’s actually a big dome inside this building, and if it's in any place touched or cracked or broken the integrity of the structure could be at risk,” said Jones.

According to Jones, members will meet at the church's family life center for Sunday service.

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4 comments

Karen

I just passed this accident. I hope the driver makes a full recovery. I must say to the above post, I’m sure the Church is more concerned about the driver and are praying for him. A building can be fixed, but a soul is forever. My prayers to the driver, his family and the Church.

Perry

Some of the information on here is false about what actually happened. The news at 10 had the correct information about the wreck. What’s posted on here is not all true.I just thought I’d comment and let everyone know

Laurie

This church is home to a preschool that my niece goes tk that is just a matter of feet from the impact site. Thankfully the school lets out at 1pm because where the truck hit is their gym and where the parents line up to pick up their kids is right in the path of the impact.

Burt Ward

70 year old driver. We had a 72 year old driver for Affiliated Foods do the same except he drove into stopped cars on the highway at 70mph. He killed 12 people. He later told officers it was not his fault as the people he killed drove under his truck. Funny how you can drive under a truck if you are stopped on the highway due to construction. He was found guilty of 12 counts of manslaughter but did no jail time. The ensuing suits bankrupted him and he is pretty much left with social security as you can’t seize that. But his 30 year retirement fund went to the survivors.